Core 2.0 Pricing and Features (November 2018)

New Core Pricing Plan FAQ

If you're unsure about what you need, what's free, and what is not, see #4 below.

Why did you change the pricing plan again? Wasn't it recently changed?

It's true, we did change our pricing earlier this year, but after a lot of feedback from our users we decided that the best way forward was to simplify the entire process and make it more affordable and accessible. That's why we chose to move to an on-demand model where you only pay for what you use. We hope to continue simplifying the pricing as we develop the platform.

How is this different from the old plans?

The old plans required a fixed monthly fee, even if you didn't use Core, and it forced you into tiers, each with their own access to different features. The new plan eliminates tiers, charges you for only the data or servers you use, and offers access to all of our features both available now and in the future.

Normal users do not need to worry about the dedicated server offerings since they are geared more for advanced workflows. Multi-destination streaming, bonding support (for VidiU Go, Bond, Link Pro, etc..) and remote configuration are all included for everyone.

What if I don't want to change plans?

Unfortunately, that is not an option. Every current user will be migrated to this new plan in 2019. There is no set date for the migration as of yet, but it is targeted within the 1st quarter of 2019 and we will give every user plenty of time to prepare with additional notifications sent prior to the migration.

If you would like to jump over to the new plan right now, email core@teradek.com and we will get you setup.

All new users that sign up to Core starting November 6, 2018 will be placed on the new on-demand plan.

How does this all work? What should I expect when I connect my device for the first time? And what are these dedicated Engines?

When you connect your device to Core, you can begin streaming right away and need not worry about Sputnik and Helios Engines. For more advanced users with special requirements, dedicated Cloud- and Self-hosted engines provide several unique features you can learn about below.

If you only require the features listed above, you will only be billed for your data usage (inbound and outbound, which is defined later in this FAQ). If you don't use Core for a day, a couple weeks, a month, then you will pay nothing.

If you require specialized features, check out the dedicated servers below.

--For optional added functionality--

Cloud-Hosted: Suitable for users with a fleet of codecs or advanced IP video routing workflows, dedicated Cloud-Hosted servers run full time on Core and offer specialized features. There are two types:

Sputnik Engine: This server is billed at $75 / month and offers:

Static IP addresses and port management

MPEG-TS server (for MPEG-TS pull decoding)

Recording

Custom worldwide ingest and end points (one ingest / end point per instance)

Supports up to 5 Teradek devices simultaneously per instance

Helios Engine: This server is billed at $75 / month and offers:

Backup Switcher (redundant streaming)

3rd party encoder ingest (via RTMP, SRT, or MPEG-TS)

*A single Streaming Server allows the use of a single Fallback Switcher*

Self-Hosted: If you prefer to manage your own Teradek Sputnik Engine, you may install our software on your own server for $125 a month. Our software supports up to 10 devices per instance, making it perfect for large businesses and power users. The Self-Hosted option offers all of the capabilities found on the Cloud-Hosted Sputnik Engine. Self-Hosted Helios Engines with Backup Switcher and generic ingest are not available at this time.

Can I connect my VidiU Pro to Core?

Not yet, but we're working to provide an update for those devices sometime next year.

Will I be charged if I add additional encoders, decoders, or Live:Air Action to Core?

Nope! This is one of the great features of the new pricing plan: you can add as many devices or connections as you like and you will only be charged for the data / Engines used.

Inbound: All data streaming into the Core platform with or without a Cloud- or Self-Hosted server. If you want your inbound data to be 0, you must shut down your encoder or change the configuration on the encoder to no longer be connected to your Core account.

If you do not shut down or change the configuration mode, your encoder will send both video streaming data into the Sputnik engine (On Demand, Cloud-hosted or Self-hosted) or Helios engine that it is configured to use, and the encoder will also send a very small amount of control data to the Core management system. Both the video streaming and control data count as inbound data.

Outbound: All data streaming out of the Core platform, including streaming to online video platforms, decoders, and recording.

Do I need a special Engine for my Link Pro? What exactly is the Hotspot charge?

The Hotspot charge is for Link Pro devices. We have eliminated the $200 minimum per month so it is now just $5/GB.

You do not need a special Engine to run a Link Pro. Simply connect your device to your Core account and you're ready to go. It's that simple.

What options do I have for payment?

Fortunately, we have a number of different options for you.

On-Demand: This is the easiest and most flexible option. Simply connect your credit card to your Core account and we'll bill you for your usage at the end of every month.

Credits (coming soon): Just like topping up a SIM card, simply choose how much money you want to credit your account with. We will charge your credit card once to process the payment, but your card will not be stored on Core. When your credit begins to get low, simply add another credit to the account in any amount you wish.

Purchase Orders: For businesses, schools, and others with special requirements, we can accept POs for credits to a Core account. Get in touch with our Sales team to get this started: sales@teradek.com

If I put a credit on Core will it roll over to the next month?

Yes! With this new pricing plan, your credits will roll over indefinitely. There is no expiration!

What if I want a refund on the credit I put on Core?

Unfortunately, there are no refunds for unused Core credits. If you have further questions, please contact support@teradek.com.

How do I check my data usage and expected monthly charge?

We've got a new visual interface on Core that gives you real-time updates on all of your data and server usage, in addition to the dollar amount that you will be charged at the end of your billing period.

To access it, go to My Account by clicking your user name in the upper right corner of the Core UI.

What about Sharelink?

At this time, Sharelink will remain the same.

I already own a Sputnik. Why do I have to pay monthly for it now?

For customers with legacy Teradek servers or their own custom Sputnik servers, we have implemented a new monthly licensing fee to prolong the life of your investment. This fee provides regular updates and improvements (including future new features), in addition to priority support, which was not offered to users with custom servers.

I want to use a Sputnik Engine without Core. How do I do that now?

Please contact sales@teradek.com for more information. This is a special consideration for unique workflows and is not publicly available.

What is a Sputnik or Helios Engine? Is it a server?

The Sputnik and Helios Engines are server types. Each offers a specific set of features.

Do I need a special server for bonding with Bond, VidiU Go, etc..?

Not anymore. Our de-muxing software (formerly part of our Sputnik server) is included with Core.

How does the Transcoder work?

If you choose to use the Transcoder, an instance will be spun up when you begin streaming and shut down when you stop. For persistent Transcoder instances (i.e. runs full time), contact the sales team for more info: sales@teradek.com.

Our Transcoder is perfect for HEVC streamers (Bond Backpack, Cube 700, VidiU Go) where you need to convert the feed to H.264 prior to delivery. We’re working to make this solution easier to use so keep an eye out for updates.